400 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 



strike rae as the kind of institution contemplated by Mr. Smithson's will ; 

 declaring it in language simple yet of the widest import, to be ' for the in- 

 •crease and diffusion of knowledge among men,' and making the United 

 States the trustee of its intentions, it seems to follow that it ought to be as 

 comprehensive as possible in its objects and means, as it must necessarily be 

 national in its government." 



These letters are to be found in the report of Mr. Adams 

 to this House in 1842. The passages quoted seem to me to 

 be highly judicious, and correctly descriptive of the true 

 character of the institution required. And I think, sir, the 

 bill under consideration conforms, in its provisions, to the 

 general views expressed in these passages, and to those 

 which I entertain. All the labors of the institution will be 

 directed to the more useful sciences and arts, and its advan- 

 tages must necessarily be eminently practical and popular. 

 These are the great leading considerations, which should 

 commend this bill to the favor of the House, and of the 

 country. 



I proceed to notice more particularly the general charac- 

 teristics of the plan. I pass over the organization of the 

 institution as a corporation, not regarding that as a matter 

 of any importance. As this feature is opposed, I am very 

 willing to see it altered. I approve the elasticity and free- 

 dom of action, very wisely conferred upon an institution, 

 new and untried in its application to the great objects in 

 view. Very considerable latitude of control, as to the 

 means to be used, is given to the board of managers, and 

 the ends to be aimed at are described in comprehensive 

 terms. But the most ample guarantee for the wise and 

 faithful use of this discretionary power is obtained in the 

 fact, that the board will consist of tiie Vice-President of 

 the United States, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, 

 three Senators, three members of the House, and six others 

 to be chosen by joint resolution of the two Houses, who 

 are required to submit to Congress annual reports of the 

 operations, expenditures and condition of the institution. 

 In addition to all this, there is reserved the power to alter 

 and amend the charter, as the results of experience may 

 render necessary or expedient. All these provisions seem 

 to be wise, and make it almost impossible that any abuse 

 or misapplication of the fund can ever take place. 



The sixth section of the bill provides for a " professor of 

 agriculture, horticulture, and rural economy," giving him 

 power to employ such laborers and assistants as may be 

 necessary " to cultivate the ground and maintain a botani- 

 cal garden " — " to make experiments of general utility 

 throughout the United States " — " to determine the utility 



